West Madeira can feel like a rush. This tour turns the big drive into a guided, small-group day with pickup and an easy rhythm from stop to stop.

I especially like the chance to get real time at Porto Moniz natural pools and the jaw-dropping pause at Cabo Girão. It’s built so you see plenty without having to plan every turn.

One thing to consider: the mini bus can feel cramped if you have long legs, and on a couple of trips the audio system has had issues, so you may want a seat where you can hear well.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Cabo Girão’s cliff views with a chance to experience the big “sky” perspective
• Porto Moniz natural seawater pools with time to swim and reset
• A tight west-coast circuit that saves you from sorting bus routes and parking
• Stops that mix views and real villages like Câmara de Lobos and São Vicente
• Small group size (max 15) for better guide attention than big coaches
• Route can shift for safety in the mountain sections (road conditions happen)

Exorbitant West Tour: what you’re really buying for a $42 day

This is one of those Madeira tours that makes sense fast. You pay around $42.24 per person, and you’re buying transport, a planned route, and a guide who keeps the day moving without turning it into a stressful checklist.

The value is strongest if you’re not trying to drive the north and west coast yourself. Madeira’s roads can be a workout even when you’re relaxed, and this tour handles the logistics so you can focus on the stops. Several stops don’t charge admission, which helps stretch your budget further, too.

That said, this isn’t a private tour. The schedule is full, the mini bus is shared, and you’ll have moments that are short. If you’re the type who hates moving every couple of hours, you might feel it. But if you want a well-paced day across dramatic parts of the island, this hits the sweet spot.

Getting picked up in Funchal without losing half your morning

The day starts at 9:00am, and pickup is offered from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. If your accommodation isn’t in those zones, you’ll be sent to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

That detail matters more than it sounds. On Madeira, saving even 20–30 minutes on the start and end of the day can mean more time for the best viewpoints and a calmer return when your feet are tired.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which is practical if you don’t want to fuss with paper. And the tour is in English, with a guide who’s used to guiding across the island’s history and day-to-day island life.

Cabo Girão: the cliff stop you’ll remember for the rest of the trip

The big opening wow moment is Cabo Girão (Girão Cape). This is the biggest cliff in Europe, and it’s known for a dramatic height: 580 meters of free fall. Even if you don’t do anything fancy, standing there makes the island feel enormous.

What I like about this stop is the mix of “wow” and “useful.” The views are the point, but the cliff setting also helps you understand why Madeira’s coasts look the way they do—rocky, steep, and carved by waves over time.

Admission isn’t included here, and the stop is listed at about 25 minutes. In practice, you’ll want to plan for weather too. The north and west side can shift quickly, and one of the nice surprises in reviews is that the scenery can look almost different every hour as clouds roll in or out.

Tip: If you want the best photos, arrive ready to shoot fast. This is a short stop, and other people will move in quickly once the view hits their camera roll.

Ribeira Brava: a quick beach break with a name that tells a story

Next comes Ribeira Brava Beach. The name connects to the local river story—wild river—because the river can look very different across seasons. One simple way to interpret this stop: when the river is strong, the scenery feels wilder; when it’s calm, the area looks peaceful and almost deceptive.

This is a about 30 minutes stop, and it’s free. You’re not here to spend hours lounging. It’s more of a reset: stretch your legs, grab a drink, and enjoy the coast setting between mountains.

The value is in the timing. You don’t want too many long breaks early, or you lose the momentum for the northern swimming pools later.

Caminho Real da Encumeada (PR12): north-south views, with one practical warning

The tour includes a stop on Caminho Real da Encumeada (PR12), described as giving you incredible views north and south of Madeira. It’s listed as about 20 minutes, and it’s free.

But here’s the practical caution: the mountain side is where road conditions can force changes. In this tour’s own updates to guests, the Encumeada section has been removed at times due to safety concerns related to rockfall risk. So treat the Encumeada viewpoint as a bonus if roads allow, not the only reason to book.

Even if you don’t get the exact PR12 section, you’ll likely still get an elevated look at both sides of the island. Reviews also mention Madeira’s microclimates—misty mountains in one moment and sunnier coasts in the next—so bring sunglasses and a light layer if you run hot and cold.

Porto Moniz natural swimming pools: the main event

If you’re doing this tour for one thing, make it Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. This is the highlight that turns the day from scenic-drive nice into something you’ll actually talk about.

You get about 2 hours here, and the area is described as having natural pools expanded with warm marine water baths. Reviews also add real-world detail: the main pools may be closed seasonally, with the older natural pools still open, and sometimes you’ll have a short wait in line. One review even mentions a €3 pool cost and recommends planning around crowds.

This stop is valuable in three ways:

• You get time that’s long enough to change your pace and swim or sit by the water.
• It’s a natural setting, not just a viewpoint, so it feels like a break rather than another photo card.
• The surrounding area gives you options if you don’t want to stay in the water the whole time, with references to a Centro de Ciência Viva and a Madeira Aquarium nearby.

What to bring: swimwear (obvious), and something you can manage for going back into the bus afterward. If you’re the kind who gets cold easily, a quick towel matters more than you think.

Lunch note: Porto Moniz can get busy, and some food spots near the pools may be crowded. If you hate waiting, have a simple plan (even if it’s just grabbing something fast and heading back to the water).

Seixal’s Véu da Noiva viewpoint: small village, dramatic rock coast

After Porto Moniz, the tour shifts to Seixal for Miradouro do Véu da Noiva. This is about 20 minutes and listed as free.

This stop is great if you want the coastline vibe without another long drive. You’ll be able to explore a rocky coast and do a short walk from the dock to look at cliffs and waterfalls on both sides of this little village.

It’s also an efficient stop. By now you’ve already had the big cliff moment (Cabo Girão) and the swimming moment (Porto Moniz). This is the visual finishing touch that adds variety.

São Vicente village time: coffee, shops, and a chapel perched high

Next up is São Vicente, about 20 minutes, also listed as free. This is a village that sits at the mouth of the Ribeira Grande, almost tucked into the cliff setting.

You’ll usually see life centered around the church area, plus cafes, hotels, and shops. The standout detail is the Chapel of St. Vincent, placed on top of a rock at the river mouth. Even with short timing, it’s the type of location you can’t ignore because it feels physically elevated from the town.

This stop can be as relaxing or as quick as you make it:

• If you want a quick coffee and a casual stroll, it works.
• If you’re hunting for a specific long walk, 20 minutes may feel tight.

Also, keep your expectations realistic. It’s not a “museum stop.” It’s a village breather.

Câmara de Lobos promenade: fishing boats and a sweet local finish

The final classic west-coast feel comes at the Câmara de Lobos promenade. It’s about 30 minutes, and it’s listed as free.

Câmara de Lobos is a small fishing community, and the appeal is in the little fleet of colorful fishing boats that you can spot on the beach much of the day. It’s a good place to slow down, take a few photos, and feel the coast’s daily rhythm.

In reviews, people also point out that poncha in Câmara de Lobos can be a nice last-minute treat. You don’t need to make it a big production. Just use the time to recharge before heading back.

Tour pacing and what it means for your day

This itinerary is designed for movement: multiple short stops, one longer swim stop, and consistent “drive to the next viewpoint” time.

Most reviews praise the pacing, noting you get enough time to enjoy key places without feeling rushed. But there are also a few complaints that show what can go wrong:

• The day can feel like a lot of driving if the stops are cloudy and you skip the moments that make them special.
• Some guides focus heavily on plants and crops, and for a few people that made the commentary less fun than they expected.
• One trip had an audio issue, making it hard to catch the narration.

So here’s how you can make it work for you:

• Choose your seat with your ears in mind. If the sound is weak, you’ll feel it more than you’d expect.
• If you’re not into plant talk, stay focused on the scenery and village details you can see clearly.
• If weather is grey, set yourself up for a “coast-by-coast” experience rather than expecting every view to be crisp.

Also, be ready for a mini bus that can be new and clean but still cramped for taller people. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth packing as if you’ll be in your seat for a while.

Who should book this, and who might prefer a different style

This tour fits best if you want:

• A guided west Madeira day with transport from Funchal
• A real highlight swim stop at Porto Moniz
• A small group setting (max 15) so the guide can actually interact
• English narration and a structured plan that avoids DIY headaches

It may not fit you as well if you:

• Prefer deep, unhurried village wandering with lots of time to get lost
• Want a fully “private” feel and lots of personal attention
• Have limited tolerance for cramped seating during long driving stretches
• Are sensitive to audio/comfort issues and hate when commentary drops out

If you’re doing Madeira for a first trip and you want west coast highlights in one day, this is a strong contender. If you already know you’ll return to Madeira and want only one place to linger, you might pick a different tour style.

Should you book the Exorbitant West Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a high-output day: cliff views at Cabo Girão, a meaningful swimming session at Porto Moniz, and several village stops that show off Madeira’s north-west character without you needing to drive.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if you know you hate quick stops, you’re very tall and dread cramped seating, or you’re counting on Encumeada specifically. Road conditions can shift mountain parts, and the tour’s best moments come from weather and timing.

Bottom line: for the price, the mix of transport, guided narration in English, and a proper pool-focused centerpiece makes this a good deal—especially if you like the idea of seeing Madeira’s west in one full, well-organized sweep.

FAQ

How long is the Exorbitant West Tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00am.

Is pickup included in Funchal?

Yes. Pickup is available from Funchal city centre and the main tourist area. If your accommodation isn’t in those areas, you’ll be directed to the nearest meeting point in Funchal.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Are entrance fees included for every stop?

Not all stops. Cabo Girão lists admission as not included, while several other stops are listed as free.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, mobile tickets are offered.

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